OTHER ARTISTS TO WATCH:

SABROSA PURR - TRACK: KILLING THE ARIESThis LA band, in my opinion, should be HUGE. Mix the best of JANES ADDICTION with the greatest screamer in the business in Will Love, and you have the Purrrrrr. Unsigned.

THIEVES LIKE US - TRACK: DRUGS IN MY BODYIf I were still active on the DJ circuit, this track would be a staple in every set I might spin. An anthem about being young and dumb and having minimal credit card debt. New York, NY. Album: Play Music For You. Kitsue Records.

CALVIN HARRIS – TRACK: THE GIRLSThe party hit of the fall perhaps? 23 year old CALVIN HARRIS’ ‘The Girls’ has already gone Top 10 in the UK, now it crosses the waters and heads straight at us, complete with Calvin naming all the kind of ladies that he “gets”. Album: I Created Disco, Almost Gold Recordings.

CHESTER FRENCH - TRACK: SHE LOVES EVERYBODYYou may have heard this track close an episode of Entourage, well others did too, and they’ve been recently signed to Star Track Records/Interscope (founded by THE NEPTUNES' Pharell Williams & Chad Hugo). Harvard students make smart music.

BELLAVISTA - TRACK: RIVER OF LOVEI was delighted that members of a great band, VUE, have formed a new project in San Francisco > BELLAVISTA. For fans of BRMC and SPACEMAN 3. Amazing debut record, Bellavista, on Take Root Records.

CLASS OF 1984 - TRACK: HONEYCork, Ireland’s CLASS OF 1984 are getting looks from the NME and UK majors off this demo track. The band has moved to London to become the modern NEW YORK DOLLS. Unsigned.

JUKEBOX THE GHOST - TRACK: HOLD IT INFrom Washington DC, JUKEBOX THE GHOST are full of amazing hooks and harmonies and in no time should be indie favorites. Just missed making the mix. Unsigned.

SHY CHILD - TRACK: THE VOLUMEThis song is another club-thumper, and if you turn it up like it suggests, you will go deaf from the volume. New York’s SHY CHILD quietly grabs your attention. Say Hey Records (US).

FUTURE SOUNDS 30

SHOUT OUT LOUDS – TONIGHT I HAVE TO LEAVE ITWe here at TF/FS couldn’t be prouder to have the honor to help one of our favorite bands and present their tour across the US & Canada in October/November. The song itself is CURE-tastic, and Stockholm’s SOL’s are back with an excellent release on the mighty Merge.Manager: Filip Wilen. Booking: Marty Diamond, Paradigm. Publisher: EMI Music Publishing.SHOUT OUT LOUDS – OUR ILL WILLS – MERGE RECORDS

JOHNOSSI – MAN MUST DANCESupporting fellow Swedes SHOUT OUT LOUDS on this cross-country journey is an incredible dynamo of a two-piece, JOHNOSSI. They’ve been making plenty of fans in Europe on the V2 Records release, and finally we get it stateside. It’s amazing how much good noise two people can make.Manager: Bud Fox Management. Legal: Craig Averill. Needs: US booking, publishing.JOHNOSSI – JOHNOSSI – THE CONTROL GROUP

WHITE DENIM – MESS YOUR HAIRI’ve mentioned this band, WHITE DENIM on past FS comps, but this band from Austin, Texas has got to be the hottest unsigned band North of the Rio Grande. We’re talking bad and nationwide in a ZZ TOP kinda way. Play this one loud and put some gel in your hair. The band who’s shows are a ‘who’s who’ of Texas bands each time they play – raw power!Management: Scottie Diablo. US Booking: Paul Buck, Bigshot Touring. Needs: Legal.WHITE DENIM – DEMOS – UNSIGNED

BRAZOS – MRS VIRGINIABack-to-back bands from Austin, Texas?? What is this? Lots of great acts are coming out of the capital city these days. Self-releasing ‘A City Just As Tall’ on Autobus Records on October 16th, it was actually tough to pick just one track to feature on Future Sounds from them. ‘Mrs. Virginia’ wascrafted in an un-air-conditioned bedroom in the hot Austin summertime by Mr. Brazo, Martin Crane.Booking: Rosa Madriz, Green Potato. Needs: Management, Legal.BRAZOS - A CITY JUST AS TALL - UNSIGNED

CALVIN HARRIS – THE GIRLSFrom Dumfries, Scotland, yeah, I know, don’t know it either, comes CALVIN HARRIS, a guy that’s already gone Top 10 in the UK with this song, and linked up with the golden ears at Almost Gold for release of ‘I Created Disco’, which it feels like he may have had a hand in doing.Management: 365 Management. Booking: AM Only. Publishing: EMI Music Publishing.CALVIN HARRIS – I CREATED DISCO – ALMOST GOLD RECORDINGS

SUGAR & GOLD – NEIGHBORHOODI mentioned SUGAR & GOLD on FS29, and got my hands on the track for this one for you to enjoy. San Francisco’s good time machine that makes me feel like I did at my old roller-skating parties at USA Roller Rink in middle school. Just finished a US tour with GRAVY TRAIN!!! If Calvin Harris created disco, Sugar & Gold created roller disco. Manager: Nicholas Dobbratz.Needs: Booking, legal.SUGAR & GOLD - CREME - ANTENNA FARM RECORDS

THE NOISES 10 – X’S ON YOUR EYESCharlotte, North Carolina’s THE NOISES 10 are no strangers to Future Sounds past, and this marks their third appearance with newly cut tracks like ‘X’s On Your Eyes’ and no less than two others ready to walk right onto radio instantly. They’ve been out in LA working with producer Eric Valentine of the full length and were recently voted ‘Best Overall Artist’ in the Carolinas at the 2007 Charlotte Music Awards. Manager: Andy Johnson. Legal: Elliot Groffman. Needs: Booking, Publishing.THE NOISES 10 – DEMOS – UNSIGNED

AUSHUA – SISTER SAVESAnother Orange County, California band emerges and this time they’re called AUSHUA. Already getting mentions in the Buzz Bands column in the LA Times and all over the Socal blog scene, it’s really just a matter of this band getting on the road before everyone is talking about them. This one booms at you and I warn you will stick in your head after several plays to the point of obsession. Manager: Brett Williams, New Noise Mgmt. Legal: David Rappaport. Needs: Booking, Publishing.AUSHUA - DEMOS – UNSIGNED

THE BLACKS – ELEGANT WALKDirty, twisted, and looking for good trouble are the bi-coastal act THE BLACKS (San Francisco and New York). Lots of travel, twice the rock! Another strong release by my new favorite SF indie label, Tricycle Records, this three-piece is starting to make trips outside the bay to places like NYC for shows and coming away with new fans. Needs: Management, booking, legal.THE BLACKS – NOM DE GUERRE – TRICYCLE RECORDS

NATHAN & STEPHEN – GOING HOMEYou think I tried to slip you another HOLD STEADY track, didn’t you? Might have a familiar tone, but this act is from Denver, Colorado instead of Brooklyn, it’s NATHAN & STEPHEN and they give us this super catchy song, complete with HERB ALPERT horns and a sing along to close out and make everyone feel good. The band features former members of FIVE IRON FRENZY and ROPER.Needs: Management, legal, booking, publishing.NATHAN & STEPHEN – EVERYONE EP – UNSIGNED

LYKKE LI – LITTLE BITOk, slowing it down for you on this one and getting a little sexy. Here’s LYKKE LI, who will complete her debut album recordings in New York during October/November with producer Bjorn Yttling of PETER, BJORN & JOHN, and will also work in some NYC shows while she’s there. She self-released this record at home in Sweden on LL Recordings, but this is wide open for the rest of the world as her lyrics suggest. Manager: Filip Wilen. Legal: Craig Averill. Needs: US booking, publishing. LYKKE LI – LITTLE BIT EP - UNSIGNED

SHANNON WRIGHT – EVERYBODY’S GOT THEIR OWN PART TO PLAYAtlanta-based artist, SHANNON WRIGHT, is another artist that has been around the block, has tasted the dirty parts of the music industry and still dusts herself off and makes incredible music. Formerly in the band, CROWSDELL, she’s recorded with Steve Albini, toured with CALEXICO and her latest release, Let In The Light, features this voice that’s long overdue for additional attention.SHANNON WRIGHT – LET IN THE LIGHT – QUARTERSTICK RECORDS

CASTLEDOOR – DOVELos Angeles act, CASTLEDOOR, have industry eyes upon them and a stockpile of great tracks like ‘Dove’ in their kingdom. They are in the process of recording their debut full length with Aaron Espinoza (EARLIMART) this fall. A buzz band you’ll hear plenty about.Manager: Lisa Klipsic, Don’t Jump! Management. Needs: Booking, legal, publishing.CASTLEDOOR - FOLLOW THE DOVE EP - UNSIGNED

THE MINUTES - UKRAINEDublin, Ireland’s THE MINUTES write the kind of power-pop hits that harkens back to CHEAP TRICK or more recently SNOW PATROL. The band rises from the ashes of former Future Sounds favorites, STARS OF THE CITY, and now handle their craft with a professionalism and dedication that most bands could learn from. They are about to hit the road with THE PIDGEON DETECTIVES in October and will be touring in the UK through Christmas.Management: Brian Bradely, Brassneck Management. Needs: Booking, legal, publishing.THE MINUTES – DEMOS - UNSIGNED

MAKE MODEL – THE L.S.B.Called Scotland’s BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE, Glasgow’s MAKE MODEL’s ‘The L.S.B.’ shouts at you to get your attention and hits the mark. The six-piece has done a session on Steve Lamacq’s Radio 1 show & recently played the Levi’s ‘Ones To Watch’ tour. This release is on their own label, The Biz, but they’ve signed to EMI so expect the full hype job soon enough. Management: Angus Murray. UK Booking: Mike, ITB. Legal: N Stein, Clintons. Needs: US booking, publishing.MAKE MODEL – THE L.S.B./CZECH NECK – SINGLE – The Biz Records.

OTHER ARTISTS TO WATCH:

CHRISTOPHER DENNY – Track: Westbound TrainIf ROY ORBISON’s ghost would come back and embody 19 year old kid from Arkansas, this is what he’d sound like. True, genuine character and talent pours from CHRISTOPHER DENNY on his brilliant CD, Age Old Hunger on 2 Minutes 59 Seconds Records.

YEASAYER – Track: 2080From their remarkable album ‘All Hour Cymbals’ on Monitor Records, one of the most refreshing and challenging CD’s that’s crossed my path in a TALKING HEADS sense, but not in sound. Totally original.

BLACK KIDS – Track: I’m Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With YouAn indie band that sounds like the CURE from Jacksonville, Florida? You’d be correct, and here’s BLACK KIDS, a band making us feel better since THE CURE cancelled their US tour dates. For fans of THE GO! TEAM and ARCADE FIRE.

THE COURTEENERS – Track: AcrylicManchester’s latest buzz act seem to be all over the NME and getting plenty of traction on the street level, looks like it may have legs to last. They just did UK dates with THE CORAL.

REVEREND & THE MAKERS – Track: Heavy Weight Champion of the WorldThe good Rev is making waves in the UK currently at radio with his ‘The State Of Things’ CD, tried like hell to get it on this compilation this month in time for release. Wall Of Sound Records (UK).

FUTURE SOUNDS 311. THE HEAVY – COLEENThe Bath, England five-piece known as THE HEAVY throw their weight around within the funk revival genre, sounding like the son of CURTIS MAYFIELD and even calling their debut album, ‘Great Vengeance and Furious Five’, which is the first release ever for +1 Records. Now that’s funky. Mark your calendars for SXSW 2008 as a breakout opportunity stateside and a must see in Austin, and then brace yourself for the funk force. This band is BAADASSSS!!!Management/legal: James Mountain, Stealth Mgmt. Needs: Booking.THE HEAVY – THE HEAVY – +1 RECORDS/COUNTER RECORDS

2. THE POSTELLES – WHITE NIGHTNew York City's THE POSTELLES are what you get when you mix FRANKI VALLI & THE FOUR SEASONS with THE STROKES. Their self-titled EP that is about to drop on Retone Records, is six of the most enjoyable and head-bobbin' tunes I've heard in some time. I got caught doing 'the jerk' in public with my headphones on with "White Night' playing walking in my neighborhood.Manager: Steven Melrose. Legal: Elliot Groffman. Needs: Booking.THE POSTELLES – THE POSTELLES EP – RETONE RECORDS

3. THOSE DANCING DAYS – THOSE DANCING DAYSThe Swedes seem to be taking over Future Sounds. We just got out off the road with SHOUT OUT LOUDS, JOHNOSSI and LYKKI LI, and now I wish we could go on the road with Stockholm’s THOSE DANCING DAYS. Perhaps the feel good track of this compilation, dancing days are here again! Five ladies that obviously love Northern Soul music, they’d go nicely with AMY WINHOUSE and some old PHIL SPECTOR records.Management: Nick Levine. Needs: US bookingTHOSE DANCING DAYS – THOSE DANCING DAYS EP – V2 MUSIC SCANDINAVIA

4. IDA MARIA – OH MY GODOk, another talented band from Stockholm, Sweden, back-to-back? This one is IDA MARIA, and that’s her on guitar and vocals, but her band blisters enough for me to say OMG! LOL! Originally from the small town of Nesna, Norway, Ida collected these bandmates while moving to Sweden, and at only 23 years old, runs Nesna Records, their own label out of a small house. It’s like BJORK gone punk rock! She’s already gone out on the Levi’s One To Watch Tour and SXSW.Management: JP . Booking: Pure Talent Music (EU). Needs: US booking.IDA MARIA – DEMO – UNSIGNED

5.VENUS INFERS – LONDON’S RAININGI agree with you, that opening guitar riff makes you think I tried to sneak SURVIVOR’s ‘Eye Of The Tiger’ onto the disc, but instead the familiarity should only come as these former Future Sounders, VENUS INFERS, have been featured before on the comp (FS28). What’s new, besides a full-length that is getting play locally on Indie 103.1 FM, is a line-up change at the vocalist spot, and the arrival of Davis Fetter as a frontman to reckon with. The band is just out of high school and has nothing but ambition and potential ahead of them.Needs: Management, legal, booking.VENUS INFERS – VENUS INFERS (WHITE ALBUM) - UNSIGNED

6. CUT OFF YOUR HANDS – CLOSED EYESAuckland, New Zealand’s CUT OFF YOUR HANDS were tipped back on FS27, but have since recorded a full-length worthy of the world’s notice – ‘Blue On Blue EP’, which had four key tracks produced by SUEDE’s Bernard Butler. Recently signed to 679 Records in the UK, the kiwi four-piece have toured with the likes of BLOC PARTY, WE ARE SCIENTISTS, FOALS and RATATAT to name a few as well as appearing on Steve Lamacq’s BBC show. Live, heads up for them at SXSW 2008 as well as Big Day Out 2008. Manager: David Benge. Booking: Mahmood Saikh, Flower Booking. Legal: Craig Averill. Needs: US Publishing, US label.CUT OFF YOUR HANDS – BLUE ON BLUE EP – SPEAK N SPELL (AUSTRALIA)

7. MY BEST FIEND – DEAD MANIt’s early days on this brooding band from Brooklyn, NY, but it won’t be long before their tour history fills up quickly. The self-titled full-length debut dropped digitally on Itunes in December, and they look to announce West coast tour dates starting around the Noise Pop Festival in late February. The album is deep, fiendish and diverse, and will immediately become the best friend of fans of THE SILVERSUN PICKUPS, SPIRITUALIZED and AUTOLUX.Legal: Michael Pampalone. Needs: Booking, managementMY BEST FIEND – MY BEST FIEND – UNSIGNED

8. WISELY – THROUGH ANY WINDOWLos Angeles’ WISELY has this familiar feeling to it, kind of like the band, AMERICA, and their big hit, “Ventura Highway”. If that doesn’t lift the skirt, anyone that can get Jenna Fisher (PAM) from the OFFICE to star in their video must be doing something right. Getting love at radio from KROQ, KCRW as well as Paste and Harp Magazines. A gorgeous song!Booking: Ella Records. Needs: ManagementWISELY – WISELY – OGLIO RECORDS

9. GRAND POCKET ORCHESTRA – LITTLE MESSYDublin, Ireland’s GRAND POCKET ORCHESTRA are a four-piece that people are comparing to PAVEMENT and THE GO TEAM, but I think it’s more like MODEST MOUSE in the corner pocket. It doesn’t matter who the influences are, the result is a good times song like WHITE RABBITS ‘The Plot’. GPO was a big hit at this year’s Hard Working Class Heroes Festival in Dublin. Their debut EP release will be on February 1st as well touring in UK and Germany in early 2008. Manager: David Curran. Legal: Phil Hanna (Ire). Needs: Booking, publishingGRAND POCKET ORCHESTRA – EP - UNSIGNED

10. PLUSHGUN – JUST IMPOLITEBrooklyn’s PLUSHGUN is actually the name for the classically trained, 23 year old composer Dan Ingala, who sings as well as he writes. You immediately here some POSTAL SERVICE and maybe some HELLOGOODBYE in there, and if this isn’t ready for TV and ad placements then I’ve lost it entirely. Early days on his live show, but a lifetime of training can make up for lost time very quickly. The EP was politely done in Ingala’s bedroom.Legal: Eric Ingala. Needs: Management, booking.PLUSHGUN – PLUSHGUN EP – UNSIGNED

11. JUPITER ONE – UNGLUEDNames after a starship in the ‘60’s TV series, Lost In Space, New York’s JUPITER ONE actually formed in 2003. A five-piece on Cordless Records, they feature lead vocalist K Ishibashi sounds like a modern day JACKSON BROWN one moment, while building on the groundwork that THE SHINS have built, there are moments when you’d swear James Mercer was singing the “wa-a-oh’s”. This song is featured in FIFA 2008, and the album was sequenced by the legendary Jac Holzman (ELEKTRA/THE DOORS). Management: Ryan Ruden, Aerial Entertainment. Legal: J. Reid Hunter. Publisher: Artwerk Music. Needs: Booking.JUPITER ONE – JUPITER ONE – RYKO/CORDLESS RECORDS

12. OSLO – THINGS FALL APARTWhile we all wait for the next OASIS record to drop, filling the void nicely is a band that has members in Los Angeles and Oakland - OSLO. The four piece supported BLUE OCTOBER on their last Fall US tour, and come with support from The LA Times and Indie 103.1. This is their second release and they co-produced it with Ryan Hewitt (Red Hot Chili Peppers), Mickey P (Beck, Peaches) and Sam Fogarino (Drummer, Interpol). ‘The Rise & Fall of Love & Hate’ is in the Top 200 on CMJ Radio and added to over 100 college stations.Booking: Mob Agency. Publishing: Songs Music. Needs: ManagementOSLO – THE RISE & FALL OF LOVE & HATE – SIX FEET MUSIC GROUP

13. OLD MAN RIVER – LASydney, Australia’s OLD MAN RIVER is built around the koala-bear-haired Ohad Rein. His 60s influenced sound makes him seem familiar way that is comforting, and to make him even more warm and fuzzy, this song ‘La’, was written while in a workshop for disadvantaged children. He’s toured with THE SLEEPY JACKSON, YOUTH GROUP and DAMIEN RICE. ‘Good Morning’ is finally set to release out of Australia, in Germany, UK, France and Japan in early 2008. Manager: Troy Barrott. Booking: Harbour Agency (AU). Legal: Media Arts Lawyers.OLD MAN RIVER – GOOD MORNING – RED LABEL/ SONYBMG

14. IGLU & HARTLY – IN THIS CITYIn this city, Los Angeles, locals IGLU & HARTLY don’t just play parties, they are the party. Backed by KROQ DJ Kat Corbett, her “new favorite band”, the band’s live shows are part indie rock, part hip hop, and not in that LINKIN PARK way either. You’ve probably seen them popping up on Myspace frequently, their friend count is a runaway train.Management: Red Ghost Music. Booking: Larry Webman, Paradigm. Legal: Jason Russell.IGLU & HARTLY - … AND THEN BOOM EP - UNSIGNED

15. GABRIEL RIOS – I’M GONNA DIE TONIGHTBorn in San Juan, Puerto Rico, GABRIEL RIOS followed his heart (a woman) over to Ghent, Belgium where he’s made his home. This former Border Breakers winner is like ‘Debra’-era BECK meets PRINCE. His first two albums have been collaborations with TECHNOTRONIC (yep, ‘Pump Up The Jam’) main man Jo Gogaert. Rios is full of talent and style.Management: Gentle Mgmt. Legal: Richard Grabel. Publishing: Megadisc. Needs: US booking.GABRIEL RIOS – ANGELHEAD – MEGADISC RECORDINGS (EU)

OTHER ARTISTS TO WATCH:

MEAGHAN SMITH – Track: I KNOWOk, Starbucks, here’s the next NORAH JONES. With a voice from heaven, but actually from Nova Scotia, MEAGHAN SMITH is my pick for becoming a household name, dwarfing the potential of FEIST. From the album ‘Take Me Dancing’ this is like BILLIE HOLIDAY for ’08. Simply gorgeous – a star! UNSIGNED.

ALBERTA CROSS – Track: OLD MAN CHICAGOPossibly one of my favorite new bands, I can't even believe ALBERTA CROSS are from London, it feels like something in the Midwest, has touches of NEIL YOUNG, MY MORNING JACKET and early JAYHAWKS at times. Their full-length, "Thief & Heartbreaker" comes highly recommended. Fiction Records/Geffen.

THE FELICE BROTHERS – Track: FRANKIE’S GUNI love this band that just signed to Team Love, they have that barefoot and smelly DEXI’S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS vibe, and a sound like BOB DYLAN doing ‘Subterranean Homesick Blues’. Three brothers (Felice) and two other guys make up this throwback that’s like the New York version of THE POGUES.

TOKO-RI GET HIGH – Track: LOVING AND STEALINGAnytime I hear of a band out of El Paso, Texas that is slightly left of center, I'm intrigued. A band that has spent it's nights in Juarez, Mexico at Fred's Rainbow Bar or The Alive brings with them a different perspective on the world - sort of like that film 'No Country For Old Men'. Part BEEFHEART, part VELVET UNDERGROUND, part TROGGS, but nothing like anyone else I've been listening to lately. UNSIGNED.

CATHY DAVEY – Track: REUBENFrom Dublin, Ireland, CATHY DAVEY. WOW! A voice like an angel and some spunk and a sense of pure fun for a change. I was instantly taken by "Reuben", a song that can pick up your day if you can turn it up loud enough. Every track I’ve heard is brilliant. Full length, "Tales of the Silversee" is out in the Uk on Parlophone.

HERE HERE – Track: ALL HAIL YE FELLOW SLEEPWALKERSAlready being dubbed the West coast ARCADE FIRE, San Francisco’s HERE HERE are a buzz band after only four shows, with help from Live 105 FM. Their 'Boy With An Orange EP' is gorgeous and has depth. I'll tell you right now, this is a band that many will be talking about in 2008. UNSIGNED.

SPIRAL BEACH – Track: VOODOOSPIRAL BEACH from Toronto are a band I've finally discovered, because their site says that they've been around since 2004, so I'm making up for lost time. This unconventional sounding act that is still in high school. Describing them isn't easy, it's strange, it's all over the place in the way of bands like THE UNICORNS or the THE SLITS. Sparks Music (Canada).

TEAM WATER POLO – Track: LETTING GOWas another tough final cut for the comp, do yourself a favor and download this song, ‘Letting Go’ if you can. Getting tons of buzz and attention in the UK at the moment, they won’t stay unnoticed everywhere much longer. So catchy after one play you’ll want more. UNSIGNED.

JOEY KENDALL – Track: HANDS AROUND MY THROATKendall is from Dallas, Texas and is also part of a collective known as MOUNT RIGHTEOUS, but this month I’m focusing on his solo material, which is impressive and deep. This song, had it been mastered, would’ve appeared on FS31. Hilarious - like a funny DECEMBERISTS. UNSIGNED.

FADED PAPER FIGURES – Track: BEING THEREAnother track that nearly made FS31, this band from Irvine, California gets my vote for the DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE award. Gorgeous vocals, perfect indie rock. For fans of PINBACK, POSTAL SERVICE and TAHITI 80. UNSIGNED.

THE GHEARS – Track: 4 MINUTE MILEIn the old days of Future Sounds, I went 20 songs deep, and this song would be on FS31 if that we’re the case. Former DISRAELI GEARS members (and brother of IAN ARCHER), now living in London via Glasgow, they band has released this EP on JL Records. Big sounds!

2. THE ETTES – CROWN OF AGELos Angeles’ THE ETTES went from unsigned to snapped up since arrival of this amazing CD by Take Root Records, with the North American CD release date on September 9th. Recorded at the famed Toerag Studios, ‘Look At Life Again’ will appeal to any fan of THE KILLS or THE DUKE SPIRIT.Management: John O’Malley. NEEDS: Booking. Legal.THE ETTES – LOOK AT LIFE AGAIN SOON – TAKE ROOT RECORDS

4. CREATURE – BRIGITTE BARDOTMere teenagers from Canada, CREATURE scared up plenty of attention at SXSW and are at work building a monster. ‘Brigitte Bardot’ goes from TOM TOM CLUB to NEW YOUNG PONY CLUB to flashes of SLY & THE FAMILY STONE. A party track with more curves than Brigitte Bardot.Management: Gourmet Délice, Bonsound. NEEDS:CREATURE – DEMOS – UNSIGNED

5. THE BLOOMS – WHITE WALLSSome of the most exciting new music springs up from the strangest places, case in point with THE BLOOMS from Tulsa, Oklahoma. You’d swear they channel directly from Freddie and Brian with this QUEEN-tastic track.Legal: Dave & Steve Bird. BMI. NEEDS: Management, booking.THE BLOOMS – DEMOS – UNSIGNED

6. CHRISTOPHER DENNY – TIMEStep back into time, our music icons all possessed undeniable talent, whether it was Ray Charles or Johnny Cash. No hiding behind fashion or pro tools. CHRISTOPHER DENNY and his band, the OLD SOLES, are as Arkansas as Arkansas can be & Denny contains a voice that comes along once in 30 years, and could be the long-lost love child of Patsy Cline & Roy Orbison. Booking: Jonathan Adelman, Paradigm. Legal: Reed Hunter.CHRISTOPHER DENNY & THE OLD SOLES – AGE OLD HUNGER – 2:59 RECORDS

8. PORT O’BRIEN – I WOKE UP TODAYOakland’s PORT O’BRIEN maybe sitting by the dock in the Bay area, but their ship has already launched in the UK/Europe (City Slang) and in Australia/NZ (Dew Process). They’ve toured with Modest Mouse, Bright Eyes, Rogue Wave, and Nada Surf, and need a deal at home. They have the fire and conviction of THE ARCADE FIRE, and are confirmed for the Monolith Festival. Manager: Chrisian Stavros/Bryna Gootkind. Booking: Jackie Nalpant, Paradigm. Rob Challice, CODA, UK. Legal: Brian McPhereson. BMIPORT O’BRIEN – ALL WE COULD DO WAS SING – UNSIGNED IN US

9. THE YELLING – BLOOD ON THE STEPSTurn this one up to piss off your parents. Los Angeles act, THE YELLING are new on the scene but quickly getting interest. The banshee like vocals from Nathanal Cox recall ROBERT PLANT, and the guitar work of Robert Davis is one stop off from commanding. This band screams ENORMOUS potential. Manager: Mike Soens. NEEDS: Booking.THE YELLING – DEMOS – UNSIGNED

10. THE MUSLIMS – BRIGHT SIDESan Diego’s THE MUSLIMS bring that kind of garage rock sound that we generally reserve for THE STROKES to the party. Every track on this self-released disc could’ve been selected to make the playlist this month, and this one should bare warning that another Casablancas sounding frontman could have a hit with a song about a “Brightside”.NEEDS: FOLLOW UP WITH BAND FOR DETAILSTHE MUSLIMS – THE MUSLIMS – UNSIGNED

11. THE MORNING BENDERS – WAITING FOR A WARThey say nice guys finish last, but the exception comes from Oakland’s THE MORNING BENDERS are off to a quick and fortunate start, doing the full NA tour with THE KOOKS and signing to +1 Music. Compared often to THE SHINS and THE LITTLE ONES, live it’s all about the charm of frontman Chris Chu. Management: Johnny Kaps/Simon Bentley. Booking: Heather Kolker, Paradigm.THE MORNING BENDERS – TALKING THROUGH A TIN CAN - +1 MUSIC

12. THE BOTTICELLIS – THE REVIEWERTHE BOTTICELLIS are the surf/pop wing of the SEA IN THE SAND collective, which also includes the Raga-Psych project Cotillion and folk duo Kuma/Koshka. One part San Francisco hippie, one part pure power pop, fans of BIG STAR should review the debut LP, Old Home Movies. Highly recommended. Booking: Chris Faville, Mongrel. Legal: Paul Sommerstein. SEASAC. NEEDS: Management.THE BOTTICELLIS – OLD HOME MOVIES – ANTENNA FARM RECORDS

13. THE ROSEWOOD THIEVES – SILVER GUNNew York’s THE ROSEWOOD THIEVES made their first strike on TVT Records, but now have dusted off and moved on without a label with a string of new songs that will steal your hearts. ‘Silver Gun’ has a JOHN LENNON familiarity to it and they back it up with a captivating live show worth catching.Legal: Ted Harris. BMI. NEEDS: Booking, managementTHE ROSEWOOD THIEVES – NEW SONGS – UNSIGNED

14. THE MUMLERS – SHAKE THAT MEDICATIONNope, this track isn’t a JIMMY SMITH track or from 1964, it’s live and alive in 2008 by a 19-year-old white kid from San Jose named Will Sprout. Part New Orleans groove, part STAX, THE MUMLERS blend BOOKER T with LITTLE BARRIE. Again, great music bubbles up from unique places.Legal: A-Train Entertainment. BMI. NEEDS: Booking, management.THE MUMLERS – THICKETS & STICHES – GALAXIA RECORDS

15. SOCIETY OF ROCKETS – TIMESOCIETY OF ROCKETS, the San Francisco psychedelic band closes out the disc with a page out of the AL GREEN’s songbook with ‘Time’. Releasing “Out Paths Related” on vinyl on their own vanity label, the album includes everything from way-out guitars to groovy horns. This track was made for a sunny Sunday afternoon, a Frisbee and some BBQ.ASCAP. NEEDS: Management, booking.SOCIETY OF ROCKETS – OUR PATHS RELATED – UNDERPOP RECORDS.

THE MOST GORGEOUS SONG OF THE YEAR: FLEET FOXES – OLIVER JAMES

OTHER ARTISTS TO WATCH:

BLONDE ACID CULT – Track: KICK THE FUNKThe cult started in New York City that have taken the Manchester-STONE ROSES and made it their own “Madhatten” sound. One of the strongest demo cd’s I’ve been sent in some time, I’m drinking the cool-aide. Unsigned

GERONIMO – Track: JUST LIKE WATERIndie rock this good from Saskatchewan, Canada? Since discovering them at SXSW, this one’s been in constant rotation. Unsigned

ELECTRIC TOUCH – Track: DON’T BE AFRAIDYoung band from Austin, Texas wrangles up a singer from the UK and sounds like THE LIBERTINES with hits. Coachella, Bonnaroo and Lollapalooza.Justice Records

MONTE NEGRO – Track: ME DEUELE NO ESTAR JUNTO A TILos Angeles via Mexico, seeing them was like witnessing a band in Felini's 'La Dolce Vita', or the international-ness of Duran Duran's 'Rio'. Epic Records

BIRDS & BATTERIES – Track: AFTER THE FLOODA five piece that reminds me of classic THE BAND. This is an album so gorgeous I find myself playing it over and over again because it lulls you into magic. Unsigned

GRAVEYARD – Track: LOST IN CONFUSIONSweden's WOLFMOTHER, just close your eyes and it's ZEPPELIN - a voice from another time. TeePee Records

THE GRIZZLY OWLS – Track: WHAT’S A GIRL TO DO?From Bakersfield, CA, THE GRIZZLY OWLS are the husband and wife team of Jenny and Joseph Andreotti that have self-released the disc, 'By Night On My Bed' that is a pure delight. Unsigned

HONEY CLAWS – Track: SHOUT OUTThis collective from Austin, Texas take the hipster-hop of COOL KIDS and drop 808-style bombs. One moment indie, the next electronic rock, but hip hop through and through. Unsigned

FUTURE SOUNDS 33

1. FITZ & THE TANTRUMS – Breakin’ The Chains Of LoveLos Angeles based FITZ & THE TANTRUMS take a classic Northern Soul sound and infuse some 2009 for a cocktail of old fashioned songwriting and beats. Already picked up by DJ/tastemaker Mark Ronson and RCRDLBL.com, this new school “wrecking crew” sound like they could slide right into the Phil Spector camp. White-boy soul never sounded so good or so contemporary and relevant. Management: Future Sounds. Legal: Gary Mandel/Gillian Bar. Needs: US/UK booking.Fitz & The Tantrums – Songs For A Break-Up Vol. 1 EP – Unsigned

2. THE NIGHTS – Lonely Soul“Lonely Soul” is one of those tracks that feels familiar, even after the first listen. This Los Angeles based act is relatively new to the scene and have started to raise their profile locally while at the same time delivering a couple of demo recordings worthy of major attention. Their self-titled EP will be done by the end of June.Needs: Management, legal, bookingThe Nights – Demos – Unsigned

3. LILOFEE – Lock & KeySan Francisco four-piece, LILOFEE, get their name from a German fairytale and inspiration from frontwoman Kimi Recor’s wild imagination and even wilder stage presence. If Ladytron and The Knife got together and added a dash of Interpol you might get close to the dark force that is LILOFEE. “Lock & Key” should be this year’s Ting-Tings/Santogold crowd favorite. Management: Future Sounds. Needs: Legal, US/UK booking.Lilofee – The Only Years – Unsigned

4. LOCAL NATIVES – AirplanesLA is pumping out the new artists of late, and this five-piece has people chasing. LOCAL NATIVES produce music that with layers and grassroots thrills. Harmonies, three-part in fact, upon harmonies are what make this band tick, much like those Fleet Foxes. Formerly CAVIL AT REST, now they are locals making lots of buzz. UK tour in July coming up.Management: Phil Costello. Legal: Richard Grabel. Booking: Jackie Nalpant US/ David Exley UK.Local Natives – Gorilla Manor – Unsigned

6. DJANGO JAMES & THE MIDNIGHT SQUIRES – Giving TreeFronted by 18 year-old Django James (Stewart), this LA based five-piece mixes Bowie and T Rex, while remaining unique enough to sound like no one else around these days. Live, this band is hell on wheels. Their first UK single drops in July on Once Upon A Time Records. Management: Future Sounds. Legal: Danny Passman. Needs: BookingDjango James & The Midnight Squires – Demos – Unsigned

7. THE BROTHERS MOVEMENT – SisterDublin’s THE BROTHERS MOVEMENT have finished a record that sounds like what the new Verve record should’ve sounded like. Beyond just Ashcroft references, you get the best of early Oasis and touches of The Jesus & Mary Chain and Spaceman 3. Yeah, I just referenced all those bands, big words indeed, and this record has the songs to back it up. The band previously known as MAINLINE are now a five piece built around the Paxton brothers. Management: Future Sounds. Legal: Kieren Jay. Booking: Steve Zapp, ITB. Needs: US booking. The Brothers Movement – The Brothers Movement – Rocket Girl Records (UK)

8. ALL WRONG AND THE PLANS CHANGE – I Get DownLos Angeles-based ladies, Kassia Conway and Amy Wood have the voices of angels and have built a band around the love of Belly and Pavement. Track “I Get Down” is a hit within the first 20 seconds, the kind of song that moved the needle back when terrestrial radio still mattered. Some music supervisor somewhere is going to have a big year with this album. Management: Future Sounds. Needs: US booking, legal.All Wrong And The Plans Change – I’m Like Whatever – Unsigned

9. CASXIO – Seventeen “I’m only 17 but my love is for real,” says CASXIO, yet another LA act that made an impact at SXSW and is now headlining clubs locally. Think a white Prince and you’re getting close in description. Their live act should go over big anywhere that is looking for a party. This four-piece, built around the spunk of vocalist Lucas Guerin, call their music “religious funk.” Management: Mike Merriman. Legal: Jordan Brokley. Needs: US/UK bookingCasxio – Demos – Unsigned

10. RUBBER KISS GOODBYE – We See LightsWe were intrigued by this trio from London called RUBBER KISS GOODBYE and the pedigree they posses. Interesting back-story here – the members include Bryan Ferry of Roxy Music’s kid, plus the guitarist from Ferry's band, and the former bass player for Babyshambles. It all adds up to a modern day glam rock wet kiss.Management: Jeff Wooding. Legal: Jeff Levin. Needs: US/UK booking.Rubber Kiss Goodbye – Demos – Unsigned

11. LOVELIKEFIRE – WilliamSan Francisco’s LOVELIKEFIRE is a repeat offender to the Future Sounds compilation series, having first appeared on the FS26 CD years back. This time they’ve stepped out with a UK label and an album full of singles. Frontwoman Ann Yu has stepped into the spotlight and is quickly becoming a star in the making. Management: Future Sounds. UK Booking: Ed Stringfellow Legal: Dave Kostiner Needs: US booking.LoveLikeFire – Tear Ourselves Away - Heist Or Hit Records UK

12. AVI BUFFALO – What’s In It For?The teenage AVI BUFFALO from Long Beach, California is a virtuoso guitar player, a la Nels Kline, who’s still in high school, as is his band. They started writing and recording at age 10 and are now only 17. I was trying to get my learner’s permit to drive when I was that age, not writing music so gentle and advanced. A recent LA residency at The Echo has spurred label and booking interest from some indie luminaries. Could be next year’s Shins. Needs: Management, booking, legal. Avi Buffalo – Settled Tigertail EP – Unsigned

13. LEE MEMORIAL – Long Days In BedMelbourne, Australia’s LEE MEMORIAL released their full-length in Australia in March 2009 but we just woke up on this sleeper, “Long Days In Bed.” Containing former members of Sleater-Kinney and Sodastream, these veterans knocked out eleven songs in four days.Heading to Europe later this year. Manager: Karl Smith. Publishing: Mushroom Music/Admin Chrysalis Music (ASCAP). Needs: US Booking, US/EU labelLee Memorial – The Lives Of Lee Memorial – Dot Dash Records (AU)

14. GRAN RONDE – On Our OwnFuture Sounds decided to not leave Los Angeles’ GRAN RONDE on their own with their latest release of music, “Secret Rooms” that dropped on June 15th. Early on they’ve been spending time developing the UK, having finished a headlining tour and headed back. Needs: Management, US booking. Gran Ronde – Secret Rooms – Friends vs. Records

OTHER ARTISTS TO WATCH:

BAND OF SKULLS – Track: Hollywood BowlWe picked “the hit,” but we may be bold enough to call this trio’s full-length “Baby Darling Doll Face Honey” our album of 2009 thus far. They could be the new White Stripes. Shangri-La Records

DIANE BIRCH – Track: Nothing But A MiracleIt's as if Carole King’s “Tapestry" record had a baby and out popped DIANE BIRCH. This one could be a breakout in a time when no one is breaking out. S-Curve Records

THE LIMOUSINES – Track: Very Busy PeopleWe tried to land them for FS33 but they just signed with Universal Republic so congrats for jumping the line. San Francisco based duo writing perfect indie rock songs.

EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS – Track: HomeThe LA based collective sometimes contains as many as 15 members and recalls the ethos of Ken Kesey & The Merry Pranksters circa 1964, complete with a Partridge Family school bus. A phenomenon.

THE ANSWERING MACHINE – Track: EmergencyThis Manchester UK act’s “Another City, Another Sorry” CD is nearly perfect and contains at least six singles. Picking one was like shooting a family member – which one goes? Heist Or Hit Records UK

SHILPA RAY & HER HAPPY HOOKERS – Track: Filthy & FreeOur favorite live act at SXSW, SHIPLA could be the second coming of Janis Joplin or Rosemary Clooney. This is dirty, sexy time music.